Israeli security forces fire tear gas towards Palestinian protesters during clashes outside Ofer prison near the West Bank city of Ramallah April 17, 2012.

Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) Continue Systematic Attacks against Palestinian Civilians and Property in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT)

 

IOF use force to disperse peaceful protest organized by Palestinian civilians in the West Bank.

15 demonstrators, including two children and two Israeli human rights defenders, were wounded. 

Dozens of civilians suffered from tear gas inhalation.

 

Two Palestinian civilians, including a woman, were wounded by IOF in the Gaza Strip.

 

IOF conducted 56 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and a limited one into the central Gaza Strip.   

 

IOF continued to attack Palestinian fishermen in the Gaza Strip.

IOF arrested 3 fishermen and confiscated their boat.

 

Israel has continued to impose a total closure on the OPT and has isolated the Gaza Strip from the outside world.

IOF arrested 7 Palestinian civilians at various checkpoints in the West Bank.

 

IOF have continued settlement activities in the West Bank and Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property.

IOF destroyed 4 rooms, 3 water wells and 6 barnyards in Kufor al-Dik village, west of Salfit. 

IOF destroyed 3 water wells and two dunums of agricultural land in Dur village near Hebron.

Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian farmers and shepherds.

Israeli settlers destroyed 250 olive trees in Bitillu village near Ramallah.

 

Summary

 

Israeli violations of international law and humanitarian law in the OPT continued during the reporting period (12 – 18 April 2012):

 

Shooting:

 

During the reporting period, IOF wounded 19 civilians, including two children and two Israeli human rights defenders, in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.

 

In the West Bank, IOF wounded 17 civilians, including two children and two Israeli human rights defenders, during the dispersion of peaceful demonstrations organized in protest to the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities in the West Bank.  Dozens of civilians also suffered from tear gas inhalation.  

 

In the Gaza Strip, on 17 and 18 April 2012, two Palestinian civilians, including a woman, were wounded when IOF positioned at the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel opened fire at Palestinian houses and agricultural land in Khuza’a village, east of Khan Yunis. 

 

On 13 April 2012, Israeli naval troops arrested 3 Palestinian fishermen and confiscated their boat in the northern Gaza Strip.  The fishermen were released later, but the boat remained in custody. 

 

Incursions:

 

During the reporting period, IOF conducted at least 56 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank  

 

In the Gaza Strip, IOF conducted one limited incursion into the central Gaza Strip.

 

Restrictions on Movement:

 

Israel had continued to impose a tightened siege on the OPT and imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem.

 

The illegal Israeli-imposed closure of the Gaza Strip, which has steadily tightened since June 2007, has had a disastrous impact on the humanitarian and economic situation in the Gaza Strip. The illegal closure has caused not only a humanitarian crisis but a crisis of human rights and human dignity for the population of the Gaza Strip.  Measures declared recently to ease the blockade are vague, purely cosmetic and fail to deal with the root causes of the crisis, which can only be addressed by an immediate and complete lifting of the closure, including lifting the travel ban into and out of the Gaza Strip and the ban on exports. Palestinians in Gaza may no longer suffer from the same shortage of goods, but they will remain economically dependent and unable to care for themselves, and socially, culturally and academically isolated from the rest of the world.

 

IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians throughout the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem. Thousands of Palestinian civilians from the West Bank and the Gaza Strip continue to be denied access to Jerusalem.

 

Settlement Activities:  

 

Israel has continued its settlement activities in the OPT in violation of international humanitarian law, and Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property. 

 

On 12 April 2012, a number of Israeli settlers from “Eitamar” settlement, southeast of Nablus, attacked 5 Palestinian farmers.  As a result, the farmers sustained bruises.  Soon, IOF arrived at the area and arrested the five farmers for questioning.

 

On 13 April 2012, a number of Israeli settlers from “Kiryat Arba” settlement, southeast of Hebron, violently beat and old man and his son, while the two civilians were on their land in Jabal Jales area in Hebron.  The old man was evacuated to a hospital in Hebron as he was moderately injured.  The settlers also uprooted dozens of olive trees. 

 

On 15 April 2012, a number of Israeli settlers from “Nahal’eil” settlement, northwest of Ramallah, destroyed at least 250 olive trees belonging. 

 

On 15 April 2012, a number of Israeli settlers from “Ma’oun” settlement to the east of Yatta village, south of Hebron, attacked and fired at some Palestinian farmers and shepherds in al-Litwana area. 

 

On 16 April 2012, IOF, accompanied by bulldozers, moved into Kufor al-Dik village, west of Salfit.  They demolished 4 agricultural rooms, 6 barnyards and 3 water wells belonging to Palestinian farmers from Rafat village, west of Salfit.  Palestinian farmers attempted to reach the area, but IOF prevented them.

 

Also on 16 April 2012, IOF, accompanied by bulldozers, moved into al-Majnouna area in the south of Dura town, southwest of Hebron.  They destroyed 3 old water wells and a number of agricultural pools and razed a two-dunum area of agricultural land planted with vegetables belonging.    

 

On 18 April 2012, at least 3,000 Israeli settlers, escorted by IOF, broke into Kufol Hares village, north of Salfit, and performed biblical rituals.  They attacked and insulted Palestinian civilians on the streets.  IOF also arrested a Palestinian civuilian. 

 

  

 

Israeli Violations Documented during the Reporting Period (12 – 18 April 2012)

 

1. Incursions into Palestinian Areas and Attacks on Palestinian Civilians and Property in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip

 

Thursday, 12 April 2012

 

At approximately 01:30, IOF moved into Tayaseer village, east of Tubas.  They raided two houses belonging to the families of Mohammed Jameel Jaber, 24, and ‘Aamer Ahmed al-Dik, 22, and summoned them for interrogation.

 

At approximately 07:40, IOF moved into al-‘Ouja village, north of Jericho.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 08:00, IOF moved into Fassayel village, north of Jericho.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

Also at approximately 08:00, IOF moved into al-Jiftlek village, north of Jericho.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 09:00, IOF moved into al-Fundoq village, east of Qalqilya.  They raided a house belonging to Lu’ai As’ad Tayem and turned it into a military site.  They also imposed a curfew on the village and forced closure of shops on both saided of Qalqilya-Nablus road to allow Israeli settlers to celebrate the Jewish Easter.  IOF withdrew from the village at approximately 13:00.

 

Also at approximately 09:00, IOF moved into Deir Dibwan village, northeast of Ramallah.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 10:00, IOF moved into Qibya village, west of Ramallah.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

Also at approximately 10:00, IOF moved into Deir Ebzei’ village, west of Ramallah.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 17:30, IOF moved into ‘Azzoun village, east of Qalqilya.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

Friday, 13 April 2012

 

At approximately 00:30, IOF moved into Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 01:30, IOF moved into Jericho.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 06:00, Israeli gunboats stationed to Beit Lahia beach in the northern Gaza Strip opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats.  Palestinian fishermen were forced to sail back to the beach and neither casualties nor damage were reported.

 

At approximately 09:00, IOF moved into Kufor Malek village, northeast of Ramallah.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 11:00, IOF moved into Beit ‘Aur al-Tahta village, west of Ramallah.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 13:40, IOF moved into Nabi Elias village, east of Qalqilya.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 14:30, IOF moved into al-‘Araqa village, west of Jenin.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 15:00, IOF moved into Beit Leed village, east of Tulkarm.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 17:00, IOF moved into ‘Izbat Shoufa village, southeast of Tulkarm.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 21:50, IOF moved into Bidya village, northwest of Salfit.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 22:00, IOF moved into Zbbouba village, northwest of Jenin.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 22:05, IOF moved into al-Zawia village, northwest of Salfit.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 22:45, IOF moved into ‘Azzoun village, east of Qalqilya.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

Saturday, 14 April 2012  

 

At approximately 00:30, IOF moved into al-Yamoun village, northwest of Jenin.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Beit Qad village, east of Jenin.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 09:30, IOF moved into Marj Na’ja village, north of Jericho.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 10:00, IOF moved into Jericho and the neighboring ‘Aqabet Jaber refugee camp.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

Also at approximately 10:00, IOF moved into ‘Allar village, north of Tulkarm.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 11:00, IOF moved into Jayous village, northeast of Qalqilya.  They raided and searcghed a number of houses, but no arrests were reported.

 

Also at approximately 11:00, IOF moved into Saida village, north of Tulkarm.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 11:30, IOF moved into Jalboun village, east of Jenin.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 16:30, IOF moved into al-Jiftlek village, north of Jericho.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 17:00, IOF moved into Zabbouba village, northwest of Jenin.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 20:50, IOF moved into ‘Izbat al-Tabib village, east of Qalqilya.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 21:00, IOF moved into Sliwad village, northeast of Ramallah.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 22:30, IOF moved into Beit Liqya village, west of Ramallah.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 23:00, IOF moved into Nabi Elias village, east of Qalqilya.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

Also at approximately 23:00, IOF moved into Zeita village, north of Tulkarm.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

Also at approximately 23:00, IOF moved into ‘Arraba village, southwest of Jenin.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

Sunday, 15 April 2012

 

At approximately 00:30, IOF moved into ‘Anabta village, east of Tulkarm.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

Also at approximately 00:30, IOF moved into Tulkarm.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 01:30, IOF moved into Jayous village, northeast of Qalqilya.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 09:00, the Israeli navy arrested 3 Palestinian fishermen who were fishing nearly 3 nautical miles from the beach:  Salah Murad Miqdad, 63; Ahmed Salah Miqdad, 24; and ‘Ali Nafez al-Akhsham, 31.  They transferred the three fishermen to the Israeli harbor of Ashdod and from there to Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing.  The three fishermen were interrogated about the reasons for their presence in a restricted area, according to Israeli claims.  They were released at approximately 17:00 on the same day, but their boat remained in custody. 

 

Also at approximately 09:00, IOF moved into Burham village, northwest of Ramallah.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 11:00, IOF moved into Jericho.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 13:15, IOF moved into Qalqilya.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 14:30, IOF moved into Kharabtha al-Misbah village, west of Ramallah.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 15:00, IOF moved into Habla village, east of Qalqilya.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

Also at approximately 15:00, IOF moved into Ras Teera village, south of Qalqilya.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 17:00, IOF moved into Beit ‘Aur al-Tahta village, west of Ramallah.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 19:40, IOF moved into al-‘Ouja village, north of Jericho.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 21:20, IOF moved into Koubar village, northwest of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

Monday, 16 April 2012

 

At approximately 00:15, an Israeli warplane fired a missile at an open area near the car market in al-Zaytoun neighborhood in the southeast of Gaza City.  No casualties were reported.

 

At approximately 09:35, IOF moved into Qalqilya.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 18:45, IOF moved into Jeet village, northeast of Qalqilya.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 20:00, IOF moved into Hijja village, east of Qalqilya.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 21:00, IOF moved into Qalqilya.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 22:55, IOF moved into Kufor Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqilya.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

Tuesday, 17 April 2012

 

At approximately 07:30, IOF positioned at the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel to the east of the southern Gaza Strip town of Khan Yunis opened fire at Palestinian houses and agricultural areas in Khuza’a village, east of the town.  As a result, Hassan Waleed Eshnainu, was wounded by a bullet to the right thigh, when he was nearly 2,000 meters away from the border.

 

At approximately 22:00, IOF moved into Shwaika suburb, north of Tulkarm, and patrolled in the streets.  A number of Palestinian boys gathered and threw stones at Israeli military vehicles.  Immediately, Israeli soldiers fired tear gas canisters and sound bombs at the boys.  At approximately 23:00, IOF raided a house belonging to Eyad Husni Nasser and questioned members of the family.  They withdrew later and no arrests were reported.

 

Wednesday, 18 April 2012

 

At approximately 07:00, IOF moved nearly 100 meters into the east of al-Boreij refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip, amidst gunfire.  They moved back to the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel an hour later.

 

At approximately 07:40, IOF positioned at the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel to the east of the southern Gaza Strip town of Khan Yunis opened fire at Palestinian houses and agricultural areas in Khuza’a village, east of the town.  As a result, Ranad Salem Qudaih, 34, was wounded by a bullet to the head, when she was nearly 1,000 meters away from the border.

 

2. Use of Excessive Force against Peaceful Demonstrations Protesting Settlement Activities and the Construction of the Annexation Wall

 

During the reporting period, IOF used force against peaceful demonstrations organized by Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders in protest to the construction of the Wall and settlement activities in the West Bank.  As a result, 18 demonstrators, including 3 children and two Israeli human rights defenders, were wounded, and dozens of others suffered from tear gas inhalation and other sustained bruises.

 

Following the Friday Prayer on 13 April 2012, dozens of Palestinian civilians, including local activists from Hebron and Ramallah, and international and Israeli human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in Bil'ein village, west of Ramallah, in protest to the construction of the annexation wall and in commemoration of the third anniversary of killing Bassem Abu Rahma by IOF.  The demonstration followed an international conference on public resistance organized in the village.  The demonstrators raised the Palestinian flag and called for ending the political split.  They then moved towards areas of annexation wall.  Israeli soldiers stationed in the area fired rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the demonstrators.  As a result, 5 demonstrators, including a child, were wounded, and others suffered from tear gas inhalation (PCHR keeps names of the wounded).

 

Also following the Friday Prayer on 13 April 2012, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in Ne’lin village, west of Ramallah, in protest to the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities.  The demonstrators raised the Palestinian flag and called for national unity and for the release of Palestinian prisoners detained in Israeli jails.  They moved towards areas of the annexation wall.   Immediately, Israeli soldiers stationed in the area fired rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the demonstrators.  As a result, dozens of demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation.

 

Also following the Friday prayer on 13 April 2012, dozens of Palestinian civilians and Israeli and international human rights defenders gathered in the center of Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah, to start the weekly peaceful protest against the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities.  The protesters walked towards the gate erected by IOF near the entrance of the village and leading to Palestinian lands that Israeli settlers from the nearby "Halmish" settlement are trying to seize.  Israeli soldiers who had been extensively deployed in the area and near all the entrances of the village since the morning, began to confront the protesters who wanted to walk towards the affected lands.  Israeli soldiers fired live and rubber-coated bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the protesters.  A result, 8 demonstrators, including a child and two Israeli human rights defenders, were wounded, and other demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation (PCHR keeps names of the wounded).

 

At approximately 01:25 on Friday, 13 April 2012, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in Kufor Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqilya, in protest to continued closure of the eastern entrance of the village by IOF.  IOF fired tear gas canisters and sound bombs at the demonstrators.  As a result, two demonstrators, including a child, were hit directly by tear gas canisters.  Additionally, a number of demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation.

 

On Saturday noon, 14 April 2012, IOF used force to disperse a peaceful demonstration organized by Palestinian civilians and a number of international human rights defenders near “Karmi Tsur” settlement to the south of Beit Ummar town, north of Hebron.  IOF prevented the demonstrators from reaching Khillat al-Kutla area.  They violently beat a number of demonstrators and fired sound bombs at them.  As a result, ‘Emad Ahmed Abu Maria, 22, was hit by a sound bomb to the hand. 

 

Other Peaceful Demonstrations

 

At approximately 09:00 on Saturday, 14 April 2012, 400 Palestinian civilians and 150 international human rights defenders participated in a bicycle march in al-‘Ouja village, north of Jericho, organized by Sharek Youth Forum, in cooperation with the Governorate of Jericho, the Municipality of Jericho, the Ministry of Tourism, al-Quds Open University, al-Istiqlal University and some other organizations.  The march was organized in solidarity with the Palestinian people and the population of the Jordan Valley.   The march started in al-‘Ouja village and moved then to Fassayel and al-Jiftlek villages, north of Jericho.  IOF stopped the participants for more than two hours at the entrance of al-‘Ouja village and prevented them from riding their bicycles on road #90.  They also beat a number of the participants.  As a result, 5 participants, including a woman and 3 international human rights defenders, were injured.

 

At approximately 13:00 on Tuesday, 17 April 2012, dozens of Palestinian civilians and families of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails organized a peaceful demonstration near ‘Ofar Prison, southwest of Ramallah, in solidarity with Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.  IOF fired live and rubber-coated metal bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs at the demonstrators.  As a result, two demonstrators were wounded, and other suffered from tear gas inhalation.  

 

3. Continued Closure of the OPT

 

Israel has continued to impose a tightened closure of the OPT and imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem.

 

Gaza Strip

 

Israel has continuously closed all border crossings to the Gaza Strip for nearly 5 years. The illegal Israeli-imposed closure of the Gaza Strip, which has steadily tightened since June 2007, has had a disastrous impact on the humanitarian and economic situation in the Gaza Strip.  

 

IOF have tightened the closure of the Gaza Strip and practically made Karm Abu Salem crossing as the sole commercial crossing of the Gaza Strip although it is not proper for commercial purposes in terms of its distance and operational capacity.

 

IOF have continued to apply their policy aimed at tightening the strangulation of the commercial movement in the Gaza Strip, including imposing total control over the flow of imports and exports.

 

The total closure of al-Mentar "Karni" crossing on 02 March 2011 has created a bitter situation that has seriously affected the Gaza Strip.  Following this closure, all the economic and commercial establishments in Gaza Commercial Zone were shut off.  It should be noted that al-Mentar crossing is the biggest crossing in the Gaza Strip in terms of its operational capacity to absorb the flow of imports and exports.  The decision of al-Mentar crossing was the culmination of a series of decisions to totally close Sofa crossing, east of the Gaza Strip, in the beginning of 2009, and Nahal Oz crossing, east of Gaza City, which was dedicated for the delivery of fuel and cooking gas to the Gaza Strip, in the beginning of 2010.

 

IOF have continued to impose total ban on the delivery of raw materials to the Gaza Strip, except for very limited items and quantities.  The limited quantities of raw materials allowed into Gaza do not meet the minimal needs of the civilian population in the Gaza Strip.

 

The cooking gas crisis which has erupted last November has continued to affect the Gaza Strip.  This crisis was created when the Israeli occupation authorities totally closed, on 04 January 2010, Nahal Oz crossing, which used to be dedicated for the delivery of fuel and cooking gas supplies to Gaza, and shifted fuel and cooking gas supplies to Karm Abu Salem crossing which is not technically equipped to receive Gaza's needs of fuel.  Karm Abu Salem crossing, with its maximum absorptive capacity, can receive only 200 tons of cooking gas per day.

 

Approximately 80% of Gaza civilians have continued to depend on alimentary aid provided by UNRWA and other relief agencies, rates of families who are living below poverty line have continued to be on the rise and approximately 40% of Gaza's manpower has continued to suffer from permanent unemployment as a result of shutting down the majority of Gaza's economic establishments.

 

IOF have continued to impose a total ban on the exportation of Gaza's products, especially industrial products, leading to undermining any real chances to rerun economic establishments.  The situation has been aggravated especially after making Karm Abu Salem crossing as Gaza sole commercial crossing and the repeated closure of this crossing which negatively affected the quantity of Gazan products which were allowed to be exported during last April.

 

For approximately four consecutive years, IOF have continued to ban the delivery of construction materials to Gaza. During the reporting period, IOF approved the delivery of limited quantities of construction materials for a number of international organizations.

 

Israel has continued to close Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing for Palestinian civilians from the Gaza Strip.  IOF only allow the movement of limited groups amidst severe restrictions, including long hours of waiting in the majority of cases.  IOF have also continued to adopt a policy aimed at reducing the number of Palestinian patients allowed to move via Beit Hanoun crossing to receive medical treatment in hospitals in Israel or in the West Bank and Jerusalem.  IOF denied new categories of Gazan patient permission to have access to hospitals via the crossing.

 

Israel has imposed additional access restrictions on traders, international diplomats, journalists and humanitarian workers seeking to enter the Gaza Strip.  On Wednesday evening, 14 March 2012, IOF arrested Ahmed Subhi al-Kahlout, 40, a trader from Gaza City, when he was traveling via Beit Hanoun crossing.

 

For approximately 57 months, IOF have continued to deny approximately 700 Palestinian prisoners from Gaza detained in Israeli jails their visitation rights without providing any justification to this measure, which violates the rules of the international humanitarian law.

 

Movement at Border Crossings during the Reporting Period:

 

Movement at Rafah International Crossing Point

11 – 17 April 2012

 

 

Movement at Karm Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) Crossing

10 – 17 April 2012

 

Imports:

 

 

Movement at Beit Hanoun (Erez) Crossing

11 – 17 April 2012

 

 

The West Bank

 

Israel has imposed a tightened closure on the West Bank. During the reporting period, IOF imposed additional restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians.

 

There are approximately hundreds of permanent roadblocks, and manned and unmanned checkpoints across the West Bank.

 

When complete, the illegal annexation wall will stretch for 724 kilometers around the West Bank, further isolating the entire population. 350 kilometers of the wall have already been constructed. Approximately 99% of the wall has been constructed inside the West Bank itself, confiscating more Palestinian land.

 

Many of the main roads that lead to Palestinian communities in the West Bank are closed or fully controlled by IOF.

 

IOF have continued to restrict access of Palestinian civilians from the West Bank to East Jerusalem, through a strict system of permits and a network of checkpoints.

 

IOF have completed controlled access to the Jordan Valley through 4 permanent checkpoints established at its entrances.  Palestinians living outside the area are not allowed to enter it without permits.

 

Settlement activities and expansion of settlements impose additional restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. 

 

IOF have continued to restrict access to gunfire areas and natural reserves, which constitute about 26% of the total area of the West Bank.

 

Israeli military checkpoints restrict the movement of goods throughout the West Bank.

 

Palestinian civilians continue to be harassed by IOF in Jerusalem, and across the West Bank, including being regularly stopped, searched and even arrested in the streets by IOF.

 

Israel has imposed a tightened closure on the West Bank. During the reporting period, IOF imposed additional restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians:

 

Jerusalem: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians to and from the city. Thousands of Palestinian civilians from the West Bank and the Gaza Strip have been denied access to the city. IOF have established many checkpoints around and inside the city.  Restrictions of the movement of Palestinian civilians often escalate on Fridays, preventing young Muslim Palestinians from praying at al-Aqsa Mosque

 

Ramallah: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians.  At approximately 13:30 on Thursday, 12 April 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Beit Liqya village, southwest of Ramallah.  At approximately 15:40, IOF re-established their presence at ‘Attara checkpoint, north of Ramallah.  At approximately 07:30 on Friday, 13 April 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah.  At approximately 09:00, IOF established a checkpoint under Kharabtha al-Misbah Bridge, southwest of Ramallah.  At approximately 10:00 on Saturday, 07 April 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of al-Mazra;a al-Qibliya village, northwest of Ramallah.  At approximately 16:30, IOF re-established their presence at ‘Attara checkpoint, north of Ramallah.  At approximately 07:30 on Monday, 16 April 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah.  At approximately 10:00, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Silwad village, northeast of Ramallah.  At approximately 15:30, IOF re-established their presence at ‘Attara checkpoinr, north of Ramallah.  At approximately 09:30 on Tuesday, 17 April 2012, IOF established a checkpoint under ‘Ein Yabroud Bridge, northeast of Ramallah.  At approximately 13:30, they established a checkpoint between Turmosiya and Khirbat Abu Falah villages, northeast of Ramallah.  At approximately 14:30, they re-established their presence at ‘Attara checkpoint, north of Ramallah. 

 

Qalqilya:  IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians.  On Thursday, 12 April 2012, IOF established 5 checkpoints around the town.  On Friday, 13 April 2012, IOF established 6 checkpoints around the town.  On Saturday, 14 April 2012, IOF established 6 checkpoints around Qalqilya.  On Sunday, 15 April 2012, IOF established 3 checkpoints around the town.  On Monday, 16 April 2012, IOF established two checkpoints around the town. 

 

Jenin: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians.  At approximately 16:00 on Saturday, 14 April 2012, IOF established a checkpoint on Jalboun – Beit Qad road, northeast of Jenin. 

 

Tulkarm:  IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians.  On Friday noon, 13 April 2012, Israeli soldiers positioned at Ennab checkpoint on Tulkarm-Nablus, east of Tulkarm, impose additional restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians.  At approximately 13:30 on Monday, 16 April 2012, Israeli soldiers positioned at Ennab checkpoint on Tulkarm-Nablus, east of Tulkarm, impose additional restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians.At approximately 12:30 on Saturday, 07 April 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Qiffin village, north of Tulkarm.  At approximately 13:00 on Monday, 09 April 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at ‘Allr intersection, north of Tulkarm. 

 

Jericho:  IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians.  At approximately 10:30 on Thursday, 12 April 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of al-Zbaidat village, north of Jericho.  At approximately 11:40, they established a checkpoint at the southern entrance of Jericho.  At approximately 08:30 on Saturday, 14 April 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the western entrance of al-‘Ouja village, north of Jericho.  At approximately 09:30, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Fassayel village, north of Jericho.  At approximately 10:00, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of al-Zabaidat village, north of Jericho, and another one at the entrance of al-Jiftlek village, north of the town.  At approximately 11:30, IOF established a checkpoint at the southern entrance of Jericho.  At approximately 11:00 on Monday, 16 April 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the southern entrance of Jericho.  At approximately 10:30 on Tuesday, 17 April 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Fassayel village, north of Jericho.  At approximately 11:30, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of al-‘Ouja village, north of the town.

 

Arrests at Military Checkpoints:

 

On Thursday morning, 12 April 2012, Israeli soldiers positioned at Za’tara checkpoint, south of Nablus, arrested Lu’ai Younis Bani ‘Ouda, 22, from Tammoun village southeast of Tubas.

 

On Sunday morning, 15 April 2012, Israeli soldiers positioned at a checkpoint at the eastern entrance of Beit Ummar village, north of Hebron, arrested ‘Odai Khalil Nemer, 18, from al-‘Arroub refugee camp. 

 

At approximately 07:45 on Tuesday, 17 April 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Kufor Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqilya.  They arrested 3 Palestinian civilians: Mohammed Maher Jom’a, 22; ‘Aqel Mahmoud Eshtaiwi; and Mohammed Mahmoud Eshtaiwi.  The latter was released several hours later.

 

On Tuesday, 17 April 2012, an IOF undercover unit arrested ‘Emad Ahmed Abu Hashem, 22, and Mohammed Yasser Za’aqiq, 19, at the entrance of Beit Ummar town, north of Hebron.  Abu Hashem was injured by a sound bomb when IOF used force to disperse a peaceful demonstration in Beit Ummar town, north of Hebron. 

 

4. Settlement Activities and Attacks by Settlers against Palestinian Civilians and Property

 

Israel has continued its settlement activities in the OPT in violation of international humanitarian law, and Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property.

 

At approximately 09:00 on Thursday, 12 April 2012, a number of Israeli settlers from “Eitamar” settlement, southeast of Nablus, attacked 5 Palestinian farmers.  As a result, the farmers sustained bruises.  Soon, IOF arrived at the area and arrested the five farmers for questioning: Ashraf, Lu’ai and Ahmed Yousef Bani Jaber; and Ibrahim and Fu’ad Ghazi Bani Jame’.

 

On Friday morning, 13 April 2012, a number of Israeli settlers from “Kiryat Arba” settlement, southeast of Hebron, violently beat Shaker al-Zaru al-Tamimi, 63, and his son Muhannad, 19, while the two civilians were on their land in Jabal Jales area in Hebron.  The old man was evacuated to a hospital in Hebron as he was moderately injured.  The settlers also uprooted dozens of olive trees. 

 

On Sunday morning, 15 April 2012, a number of Israeli settlers from “Nahal’eil” settlement, northwest of Ramallah, destroyed at least 250 olive trees belonging to Fazwi Mousa Bazzar in Bitillu village. 

 

On Sunday evening, 15 April 2012, a number of Israeli settlers from “Ma’oun” settlement to the east of Yatta village, south of Hebron, attacked and fired at some Palestinian farmers and shepherds in al-Litwana area. 

 

At approximately 08:00 on Monday, 16 April 2012, IOF, accompanied by bulldozers, moved into Kufor al-Dik village, west of Salfit.  They moved towards Zaher Subeh area, where they demolished 4 agricultural rooms, 6 barnyards and 3 water wells belonging to Palestinian farmers from Rafat village, west of Salfit.  Palestinian farmers attempted to reach the area, but IOF prevented them.

 

On Monday morning, 16 April 2012, IOF, accompanied by bulldozers, moved into al-Majnouna area in the south of Dura town, southwest of Hebron.  They destroyed 3 old water wells and a number of agricultural pools and razed a two-dunum area of agricultural land planted with vegetables belonging to the ‘Amru family.  These destructions and demolitions are aimed to vacate the area to expand an Israeli military post in the area in the context of a plan to reinforce Israeli military and settlement presence in the area.     

 

At approximately 00:00 on Wednesday, 18 April 2012, at least 3,000 Israeli settlers, escorted by IOF, broke into Kufol Hares village, north of Salfit, and performed biblical rituals.  They attacked and insulted Palestinian civilians on the streets.  IOF also arrested Jalal Mahmoud Abu Ya’qoub, 34, from his shop.  The settlers and IOF left the village at approximately 06:00.  

 

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Recommendations to the International Community

 

 

1. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention to fulfill their legal and moral obligations under Article 1 of the Convention to ensure Israel's respect for the Convention in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.  PCHR believes that the conspiracy of silence practiced by the international community has encouraged Israel to act as if it is above the law and encourages Israel continue to violate international human rights and humanitarian law.

 

2. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention to convene a conference to take effective steps to ensure Israel's respect of the Convention in the OPT and to provide immediate protection for Palestinian civilians.

 

3. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention to comply with their legal obligations detailed in Article 146 of the Convention to search for and prosecute those responsible for grave breaches, namely war crimes.

 

4. PCHR calls for the immediate implementation of the Advisory Opinion issued by the International Court of Justice, which considers the construction of the Annexation Wall inside the West Bank illegal.

 

5. PCHR recommends that international civil society organizations, including human rights organizations, bar associations and NGOs, participate in the process of exposing those accused of grave breaches of international law and urge their governments to bring the perpetrators to justice.

 

6. PCHR calls upon the European Union to activate Article 2 of the Euro-Israel Association Agreement, which provides that Israel must respect human rights as a precondition for economic cooperation between the EU states and Israel.  PCHR further calls upon the EU states to prohibit import of goods produced in illegal Israeli settlements in the OPT.

 

7. PCHR calls on the international community to recognize the Gaza disengagement plan, which was implemented in September 2005, for what it is - not an end to occupation but a compounding of the occupation and the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. 

 

8. In recognition of ICRC as the guardian of the Fourth Geneva Convention, PCHR calls upon the ICRC to increase its staff and activities in the OPT, including the facilitation of family visitations to Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.

 

9. PCHR appreciates the efforts of international civil society, including human rights organizations, bar associations, unions and NGOs, and urges them to continue their role in pressuring their governments to secure Israel's respect for human rights in the OPT and to demand Israel end its attacks on Palestinian civilians.

 

10. PCHR calls upon the international community to pressure Israel to lift the severe restrictions imposed by the Israeli government and its occupation forces on access for international organizations to the OPT.

 

11. PCHR reiterates that any political settlement not based on international human rights law and humanitarian law cannot lead to a peaceful and just solution of the Palestinian question.  Rather, such an arrangement can only lead to further suffering and instability in the region.  Any peace process or agreement must be based on respect for international law, including international human rights and humanitarian law.

 

 

 

 

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Public Document

For further information please visit our website (www.pchrgaza.org) or contact PCHR’s office in Gaza City, Gaza Strip by email ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) or telephone (+972 (0)8 282 4776 – 282 5893).